Where to get the best breakfast in the Melbourne CBD

These city brekkie spots are worth waking up early for. 

Workshop Bros Southbank - 7am weekdays, 8am weekends

Sip matcha latte art, feast on beef cheek croissant sandwiches and indulge in sticky date banana bread at Workshop Brothers. This light and airy riverside spot specialises in hearty (but chic!) brunch food, bagels, sweet treats and iced coffee. Catch the morning glow in their sun-drenched slice of Southbank paradise.

Her Bar – from 8am daily 

The crew behind Arbory Afloat have finally opened their massive new multi-storey venue. Her Melbourne is a vertical laneway celebrating food, drinks, music and art. For breakfast, it's the sleek all-day ground floor bar you want. The weekday menu is simple, think pastries, granola or a bacon and egg roll. But come back Friday through Sunday for the full affair. Try salmon rostis or the jaffle madame served with a fried egg.

Hardware Societe – from 8am daily

It’s the OG laneway breakfast spot that ended the era of basic eggs on toast. French-inspired Hardware Societe deals in anything but the ordinary. Sweet treats include fried brioche with raspberry compote, ruby chocolate sauce and nougatine. Cheese lovers will delight in brie baked eggs, parmesan souffle and croque madame drenched in gruyere bechamel. Find this little nook at 123 Hardware Street.

Higher Ground – from 8am daily 

With grand lofty ceilings and exposed bricks, Higher Ground is one of Melbourne's most beautiful brekkie locations. The heritage-listed space isn’t all style over substance, though. Try peanut butter waffles and the iconic and perfectly plated hotcakes, garnished with edible flowers. Or keep it savoury with blue spanner crab eggs benedict or nduja and ricotta on toast. 

Maverick at 80 Collins – from 7am weekdays 

Maverick does incredible coffee and sophisticated takes on classic Melbourne brunch dishes. Fluffy chilli scrambled eggs, strawberry hotcakes and even a cheeky espresso martini make the menu pop. And that's not thick cut bacon on your plate – the team makes perfectly juicy pastrami in-house for a decadent eggs benny.

Greta Melbourne – from 8am weekdays 

This cosy spot is known for its premium wine selection, but Greta brings the goods all-day with breakfast-worthy sandwiches. The toastie is a bit fancier than your usual sanga, melting together gruyere, brie and sharp cheddar. More treats to try include croissants, warming baked eggs with focaccia, and muesli topped with a dollop of mascarpone.

The Quarter – from 7am daily, 8am Sunday

Fancy a spot of people watching? Experience Degraves Street from the centre of the action, dining in the middle of the iconic lane. Settle in under the sun shades at The Quarter for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day off right with a bright and refreshing acai bowl. Or indulge in mocha hotcakes sprinkled with Oreo soil. You'll be dreaming about them for weeks.

Pope Joan – from 7am weekdays

Perched at the top end of Collins Street, Pope Joan is a Melbourne institution. The all-day cafe really shines in the morning. Find simple, moreish staples like rice pudding, scones with jam and cream or boiled eggs with soldiers. The Turkish eggs are zhuzhed up with spicy Spanish nduja. And yes, you can get Pope Joan's famous Reuben sandwich for brekkie!

Little Collins Melbourne – from 7am daily

Nestled in a narrow laneway behind the Block Arcade, Little Collins Melbourne knows its coffee. Snag a seat at the marble bar to watch the baristas pour your latte then peruse the brekkie menu. All the egg-loaded classics are accounted for, but the truffle eggs are a must-try. Topped with sautéed mushrooms, asparagus and chorizo, you won't go hungry. File under: Euro-vibes with Melbourne brews.

Luci – from 6.30am weekdays, 7am weekends

Dreaming of a holiday? Make it a staycation with breakfast at one of Melbourne’s best hotel buffets. Enjoy a full spread in The Hilton’s lavish 1930s style restaurant Luci. Visit the omelette station to customise your brekkie with the freshest and fluffiest eggs. Then load your plate high with fresh muffins, gourmet muesli and all the sides.